Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  Love this Jeep! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By tapgypsy - November 13 - 7:41 am

  We bought it used 8 years ago for our then 16-year-old son. He drove it until he went to college and now my husband uses it as his daily vehicle. Loves it! Not all that pretty to look at now, but he wouldnt give it up.

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  Lacking interior details - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kathi - November 12 - 8:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep, first Liberty Ltd. Performance is great, poor gas mileage, but is good locally or on the highway. Better comfort in back seat than prior Jeep Cherokee Ltd. or Grand Cherokee Ltd.

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  Its my 9th Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By George Lenhardt - November 12 - 12:53 pm

  After owning many vehicles since I started driving in 1960 I have found a real comfortable and fun vehicle. I have made two trips to South Carolina and have enjoyed the over the road trips and ability to go off road when I needed it. I look forward to this winter and driving in the snow as we are going north for a vacation in January.

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  2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 3.7 4x4 - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By benjeep3 - November 12 - 9:05 am

  I have had this Jeep for over a year and traded up from older jeep Cherokee. replaced tires, battery and switch to AC in dash. Usual maint. costs. The only bad thing is the Gas MPG, but it is an SUV four wheel drive and that is why I got it. Wife has Toyota which gets around 38 MPG so makes up for my Jeep. I did research on this vehicle before I got it with history and previous repairs. Got great deal on it last year. No tow package but can get one installed for around 150.00. Fun to drive in summer and winter. Hate to fill it up but love the reliability and will have it paid of in about another year and a half. Wife drives it too sometimes.

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  Good Choice - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By scooter17 - November 12 - 4:33 am

  My husband and I wanted a new SUV, we wanted the 4x4. we searched and found that the Nissan wanted to charge more for the 210hp calling it super charged while the Liberty comes ready with 210hp. The Ford kinda lagged at the start while the Liberty didnt. After we drove the Liberty we were hooked. Nothing compared after that. Best buy we ever made.

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  Nice Job! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By ridarc - November 11 - 2:33 pm

  Jeep did a great job with the do over of the liberty. The liberty feels solid, has a great ride. The looks of the Liberty caught my eye.

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  Great Ride! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Texas Jeepster - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I have almost 30K miles on my Jeep. No major problems and excellent dealer service.

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  Expensive Vehicle-Poor Quality / Reliab. - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Disloyal Jeep Owner - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I was initially pleased with the Grand Cherokee, but after a multitude of problems, i.e.- broken door locks, defective weather stripping, hetaed seat failure, and replacement / repair of front brakes 3 times by 37,000 miles. The dealer was completely uncooperative and I was forced to write a letter to the CEO of Daimler-Chrysler for North America, Dr. Dieter Zetsche. If you decide to buy anyway look up the TSBs- Technical Service Bulletins on theinternet first as it may discourage your purchase.

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  2006 Commander Limited Hemi - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bobby from Marco Isl - November 10 - 7:46 pm

  Let me cut to the chase. This is the second Jeep vehicle I have owned in 35 years of driving. Since 1989, all my second vehicles have been 4x4s. By far this is the best vehicle ever. I had ordered it with every conceivable option available. Nothing left to the imagination. After owning it for 6 months, I still havent got tired of driving it. One really, really bad feature of the "mark", is its fuel economy. Dont believe what the specs say. If you get 12MPH for city driving consider yourself lucky. I tried every which way to drive this Jeep, for the best economy. Nothing helps! Maybe its because I have the 5.7 Hemi? But, forget if you think you will break the 15MPG for city driving.

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  Does everything I could ask - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Joe - November 10 - 9:00 am

  35,000 miles total, car still sounds and drives great. Pull small bass boat with a 4 cyl and still get over 20 mpg. No mechanical problems at all. Tires replaced at 32,000 (Firestones 17") just no tread left. Good traveling car for three people with plenty of room for baggage. Did I mention avg over 26 mpg on long trips driving over 70 mph (interstate).